All you need to know about toner (+ DIY toner recipe!)

We all know the importance of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing -- but what's the deal with toner? Many women don't understand the role of toner in a regular skincare regimen -- often discarding it as unnecessary. However, a well-formulated toner can be critical to healthy pregnancy skin care.

What is toner?

A toner is a beauty aid that can be broken down to a few different categories, depending on what the product does: traditional toners, astringents and fresheners. Traditional toners soothe skin with a combination of moisturizers, oils and extracts. Astringents are usually alcohol based, and tighten pores while removing oil. Fresheners tighten pores as well, relying on alcohol alternatives such as green tea.

How do I use toner in my skincare regimen?

Incorporating a toner into your daily skincare plan is easy as 1-2-3.  (Like, seriously -- it's super fast. Swipe, swipe...done!) Once you find the right toner for your face, your updated beauty regimen should go something like this:

1) Cleanse. Gently pat face dry.

2) Tone. Apply a moderate amount of toner to a cotton ball or cotton round, and gently wipe face in upward motions. Allow to air dry.

3) Moisturize.

 

Which toner is best for me?

Choosing the right toner is a wee bit trickier than it sounds. We formulated our pregnancy safe toner with toxin-free ingredients to combat common skin problems for pregnant and non-expecting Mamas. For instance, our BalanC may be used as an acne toner, as it helps cut oiliness and makes way for clearer skin. Featuring vitamin C and geranium oil, this natural astringent tones skin and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Evaluate your skin's own needs to determine which toner ingredients will work best for you.

 

How to make face toner: A DIY toner recipe for all skin types

If you're looking for an easy homemade toner, here's one of our favorite recipes to try today! This DIY toner features apple cider vinegar, a quintessential ingredient for all-natural beauty lovers. Antiseptic and antibacterial, apple cider vinegar can help cleanse skin, lighten dark spots and improve the appearance of acne scars.

Ingredients:

• Raw apple cider vinegar (we recommend Bragg's)
• Filtered water
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions:
Mix 1 part raw apple cider vinegar with 4 parts filtered water in a spray bottle or other narrow bottle. If using essential oils (we love tea tree or lavender), add 1-3 drops per 8 oz of toner. Shake before each use to combine. 

Do you regularly use toner in your beauty regimen? Will you be making our DIY toner? Share below!